About Us
Interior Enhancement Group is an award-winning, full-service interior design studio known for its client-oriented approach that leads to one-of-a-kind, luxury homes, hospitality spaces, and commercial projects. Working with an interior designer from IEG means you get decades of experience and insight into your project that focuses as much on problem solving and space planning as choosing furnishings you will love. Our approach ensures that multiple interior designers, as well as a project manager, each contribute their unique perspective and talents to your project, producing the highest level of creativity and function in the final plan. From getting to know you to placing accessories, we handle every detail so you can focus on your day-to-day life and enjoy the design process.
Meet Our Interior Design Team
Our Chicago interior designers are dedicated to transforming your home into the oasis you and your family need it to be. Learn more about the team who will bring your vision to life.
Robert Kleinert
President
A graduate of DePaul University, Robert has deep roots in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Over the years, Robert has owned and operated several businesses and developed a passion for being a client advocate.
He’s turned his full attention and passion to IEG where he’s focused on helping clients love their home and working spaces. Robert brings a combination of business acumen from his previous businesses and resilience from his time as a US Navy Corpsman. These two traits help projects stay on time and on budget.
Outside of work, he’s a passionate animal rescue supporter. He’s especially proud and committed to making a difference by donating to local animal shelters with every project booked. Robert’s drive is not just about business success, but about giving back to the community and making the world a better place.
Kelly Guinaugh
Founder, Consultant
Kelly launched Interior Enhancement Group in 1999, sparked by a passion for design and her entrepreneurial spirit. With a business degree and studies in interior design, she possesses the creativity to design beautiful interiors as well as the business acumen to ensure that each project progresses smoothly. From the start, she became known for unique personal designs that reflect her clients’ lifestyles. She understands the importance of budgets and timelines, as well as the team approach to working with architects, builders, tradespeople and, of course, you. Kelly’s inspiration stems from listening to you. She is committed to defining and embracing your design preferences, because that is the best starting point for interiors that are a perfect fit.
Kelly is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID-Associated) and she supports Fellowship Housing Corporation, a Northwest suburban nonprofit organization that empowers single mothers to find careers they love and become financially secure. In her free moments, Kelly loves spending time with family and friends, traveling nationally and internationally, and arranging fresh flowers that beautify her home all year long.
Elizabeth Waters
Design Director
A graduate of Northern Illinois University with a BFA in interior architecture, Elizabeth brings more than 25 years’ experience in design to Interior Enhancement Group. She is an intuitive interior designer who draws on her experience and collaboration with the IEG team to give clients the home of their dreams. Art is a constant source of inspiration for Elizabeth’s work, “It makes up my inner being; it is what excites me most,” she says. Elizabeth has put her mark on hundreds of residential projects and counts herself fortunate to do what she loves every day. She embraces Carl Jung’s insightful quote: “The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.” In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys anything that takes her to water and sunshine.
Ashley Mui
Interior Designer
A member of the IEG team since 2015, Ashley graduated from the Illinois Institute of Art in Schaumburg with a BFA in Interior Design. She began cultivating a love for interior design as a young girl, rearranging her bedroom and watching her favorite designer, Candice Olson. “I did everything I could to make my room my own special place so I would love spending time there,” she says. With an exceptional understanding of color and color theory, Ashley serves as our in-house color specialist. Ashley’s technical expertise and keen eye for detail allow her to create cohesive, bespoke designs where every element, down to the smallest touch, plays a pivotal role in bringing the vision to life.
In her free time, Ashley loves making memories with her family—whether it’s putting the finishing touches on their sports car or laughing through a spirited game night, she cherishes the little moments that make family life unforgettable.
Hope Lindholm
Interior Designer
Hope joined the Interior Enhancement Group team in 2023 and quickly became a valued member of our collaborative group. She thrives on understanding clients’ individual preferences and lifestyles to create spaces that are perfectly tailored to their needs. Her design philosophy is rooted in the belief that every home should be a sanctuary — a place where comfort meets luxury, and where people truly love to live.
Naomi Mitroi
Interior Designer
Naomi recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Illinois State University and is excited to begin her career as a designer. With a background that includes a range of hands-on design projects, she brings both enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to her work.
She believes every space should tell a story and reflect the individuality of the people who live in it. She enjoys combining the creative and technical sides of design to bring those ideas to life. Outside of design, her hobbies include travel and art, which continue to shape her perspective and creative process.
Caren Thrun
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations at Interior Enhancement Group, Caren oversees the firm’s day-to-day operations, including financial management and business oversight, vendor relations and procurement, and overall studio administration. She also serves as the central liaison between designers, vendors, and clients for all orders placed through the firm.
With a natural eye for detail and a lifelong interest in interior design, Caren plays an integral role in managing procurement and logistics, tracking and forecasting project timelines, and ensuring clear, consistent communication at every stage. Her structured, detail-driven approach helps uphold the high level of service and communication expected in an upscale design firm.
Outside of work, Caren and her husband have two young adult children and enjoy visiting them out of state as often as possible. She also enjoys hosting gatherings for family and friends in their home.
Areas of Service
Interior Enhancement Group serves the greater Chicago area, including the northwest suburbs and north shore, as well as second homes across the U.S., including Florida and Arizona.
Explore a list of the areas we actively serve with our luxury interior design services. Keep in mind we’re always open to expanding our range and would love to hear from you, regardless of your location.